Breaking News

Several Rockland school districts have finished tallying their votes from last week’s budget vote. In addition to Pearl River, the Clarkstown, Nanuet, Nyack and South Orangetown districts all easily passed their budgets. Still to be determined are the budgets in East Ramapo, North Rockland and Suffern. How much federal and state aid the districts will get is still unknown.

Two were killed and nine injured yesterday after a van struck a tree in Ramapo. Police there say the accident occurred after 4pm near New Hempstead Road and Conway Court near the Palisades Parkway exit 11 ramp. A report on a Jewish news website said the van was heading with two families to a wedding in the city at the time. Several passengers needed to be extricated by the Hillcrest Fire Company No. 1 and New City Fire Engine Co. No. 1. All were taken to Nyack and Westchester Medical Center. The two unidentified men killed were 47 and 22 years-old. The crash is under investigation by the Ramapo Police Crash Unit.

(Update: 12:55pm June 15, 2020): The West Nyack FD and Rockland County Hazmat unit determined there were no airborne chemicals or any other safety hazards for the family, first responders or neighbors to be concerned with. “The Clarkstown Police are saddened by incidents such as these when a life is lost. We would like to remind everyone that services are available such as The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals,” the Clarkstown Police said in a statement.

(Earlier): The Clarkstown Police Department responded to a report of a possible overdose victim at in West Nyack around 3pm today.  Upon arrival at 5 Dutch Ct., officers observed a man dead inside the home, along with an unknown chemical. The West Nyack Fire Department and the Rockland County Hazmat Team were called in to help secure the scene. Police say there is no immediate threat to the neighboring residents or homes. The investigation is still ongoing, into both the cause of death and chemical in the residence. If anyone has information regarding this incident they are asked to please contact the Clarkstown Detective Bureau at 845-639-5800.

The protests that have been held around the county marking the George Floyd tragedy in Minnesota have only been peaceful affairs with no incidents or arrests. Rockland County sheriff Lou Falco is proud of that, and encourages peaceful demonstrations, so long as they do not get violent or cause damage. Falco says he’s not opposed to reforms, but cries around the country to de-fund police departments are misguided…

The Minneapolis City Council has been working to dismantle their police department in the wake of the George Floyd incident. The four officers involved have all been charged in his murder.

Spring Valley police are reportedly investigating a shooting yesterday at the Kearsing Parkway Apartments. The incident happened late Saturday afternoon. Nearby residents were warned to avoid the area. No further information was available. If you have any information call the Spring Valley Police Department at 845-356-7400.